Hands up all of you who want a free iPad?

This is not one of those internet scams… this is what schools around the country are increasing choosing to do. They are dishing out iPads as a replacement for schoolbooks.

It certainly seems to make sense. First, no more hassle of schlepping around mountains of textbooks. Then there’s the advantage of a powerful digital communication network at all the students’ and teachers’ fingertips.

St Andrews School in Georgia claims to be the first school to make the leap in the Fall of 2010.

Now schools in Texas, New York, a Medical School and a Law School in California are among those jumping on the hi-tech bandwagon. Other iPad-like devices are also getting in on the action.

And the trend is spreading… to schools in Singapore and Scotland.

The iPad-ization of schools seems cool to us… but there has to be some draw backs.

Any thoughts?